US in Direct Secret Talks With Houthi Militia, JD Vance Reveals

WASHINGTON: US Vice President JD Vance has revealed that the United States is engaged in direct talks with the Houthi militia in Yemen, confirming a channel of communication that had not previously been publicly disclosed.

According to international media reports, Vance made the remarks while speaking to reporters ahead of a campaign rally in Kansas City.

He said the US government was currently in direct contact with the Houthi militia but did not provide details about the nature of the discussions, their location or the individuals involved.

US Also in Contact With Regional States

Vance said Washington was also maintaining regular contact with the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and other countries affected by developments in the region.

He specifically expressed concern over the Houthi militia’s reported control of Mayyun Island, which lies close to the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

The island holds strategic importance because of its location near the maritime route connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.

Houthi Militia Expands Along Red Sea Coast

The reported US-Houthi contacts come as the Houthi militia has expanded its presence along Yemen’s Red Sea coast.

The group has reportedly strengthened its control around Al-Mokha, Bab al-Mandab and several nearby strategic islands, raising concerns over the security of one of the world’s major shipping routes.

The reported territorial advances have also increased pressure on regional governments to assess the security implications for commercial shipping and energy supplies.

Saudi Arabia Previously Sought US Action

US media had previously reported that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with President Donald Trump and requested direct US airstrikes against the Houthi militia.

Trump reportedly declined to launch a direct US military campaign against the group, instead indicating that Washington could provide Saudi Arabia with intelligence and assistance in identifying targets.

The reports suggested that the Trump administration was reluctant to open another major military front in Yemen while maintaining its focus on the wider confrontation involving Iran.

CENTCOM Commander Visits Saudi Arabia

Following the reported discussions between Trump and the Saudi crown prince, US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief Admiral Brad Cooper travelled to Saudi Arabia.

Cooper subsequently met Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, with the discussions reportedly focused on the regional security situation and the threat posed by the Houthi militia.

The meeting highlighted continued military and intelligence coordination between Washington and Riyadh amid rising tensions around the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab.

Houthi Militia Has Yet to Respond

There has so far been no immediate confirmation or denial from the Houthi militia regarding Vance’s statement about direct US contacts.

The revelation nevertheless represents a notable development, as Washington has publicly maintained a hard line toward the group while simultaneously seeking to prevent further escalation around the Red Sea and its strategically important shipping routes.

Direct communication, if sustained, could provide an avenue for reducing tensions, although the lack of details about the talks makes their scope and prospects difficult to assess.